Ever wanted to blow up your life?

Tag: wine

This one actually ended up being a whole21. We curtailed because I wanted to focus on reintroduction, and we only had so much time before Thanksgiving.

On Day 22, I had popcorn after dinner. On Days 26-27, I had cheese. Day 29 was gluten. Day 32 (Thanksgiving), wine. After that we head to Naples so I guess it will be pizza reintroduction, followed by probably a week (or more) of recovery.

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So I’m on Whole30 Day number three. I’ve decided to consciously uncouple from caffeine (again), and I’ve FINALLY stopped with the splitting afternoon headaches. Huzzah!

Other than that, things don’t feel so different than usual other than possibly spending even more time on food prep because James is whole30-ing as well, and I’m trying to send him out the door with lunch and breakfast.

This is my first whole30 where I really am more focused on nonscale victories (NSVs).

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Melissa Hartwig’s new book Food Freedom Forever dropped this month. So you know I was all over that like . . . hmm. Like my kids licking the glass at the Lego store. Like my kids licking the glass at a bakery. Like my kids licking the glass at . . . you get the idea. (Similes FTW!) I guess I’m saying I approached the book release with a childlike enthusiasm.

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My kids say some pretty hilarious things. I’ve been told that I used to say hilarious things once, but my parents didn’t write it down and cannot remember even one witty anecdote. Inspired by YHL’s Clara Conversations, I wanted to share some isms as I collect a critical mass.

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So . . . we went to Malta last month. I promise to talk more about it soon. (Short recap: it was awesome, surprisingly kid friendly, you should totes to it. Oh, and I flew by myself with the chitlins. What???)

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You know how sometimes you start to feel a teeny tiny bit like you have some inkling of what you are doing some of the time? And then the parenting gods laugh in your face and smite your smile away and you are left to pick up the pieces of your broken schedule that is being stomped on by cranky tots?

First, Henry discovered that he can climb out of his crib. I know. Like you, I am also pretty shocked that it took him this long. He probably could have been doing this a year ago.

And I’m all, now what?? Do we accept that this is happening and put the toddler side on his crib? Move him to the bed? His climbing actually looks pretty safe so I’m not as worried about him hurting himself. I just need to figure out how to convince him to stay put during the night. And probably do a little more childproofing for when he doesn’t. I am definitely not used to having Henry pop up in unexpected places, and the sound of his bedroom door busting open is starting to haunt my dreams.

Second, Henry is trying to drop his nap. And my efforts at getting him to have “quiet time” on his own have been mixed. Not cool. I mean, I always knew this day would come, but I’m not ready. Some of it is for me. Without nap time, I may never get anything done ever again. But part of it is for him. He still seems pretty tired. So now I didn’t get a break, and I’m dealing with a crankypants kiddo. #winning

Needless to say, I’m feeling a little knocked off my game. It doesn’t help that I am still in vacation mode. Staying up too late. Extra glass of wine at night. Skimping on exercise. I know exactly what I need to do to feel better. I just haven’t gotten there yet. I’ll work on returning to reality after the holiday weekend. Probably. Definitely. Maybe.

Since I was a little out of it this morning, I decided a pick-me-up was in order.

For a shot of happy, I’d normally hit up a friend for cappuccino after dropping Henry at school, but people either have guests or are out of town or working or some such today. And I didn’t feel like chasing Mac around the cafe all by myself.

Mac and I stopped at the store. Instead of just the usual groceries, I added some heavy cream. And at the checkout, I picked up a four-pack of my favorite Kinder chocolate.

When we got home, I made some seriously weak coffee because we were all of out of decaf. Then I poured in a tad bit of heavy cream. And then Mac and I split the chocolate. (Mac had no complaints on this plan.)

Then Mac and I went to go play. Although I was late to the podcast party, I’ve been turning on podcasts in the background lately when Mac and I party down. I find that I can still read books and have dance parties and toss balls just fine, but it adds a little interest for me.

But today instead of a podcast, I decided to break out some bigger guns. I fired up Netflix and put on a comedy special in the background. (John Mulaney’s New in Town was the winner.)

Aside: for the moment, I listen to saltier materials when it is just me and Mac. I guess that will change soon when Mac masters “ball” and “mama” and then goes straight to F-bombs. Isn’t it funny how kids make you notice profanity? After watching Macklemore’s new video for Downtown, I showed it to Henry because I thought he would like the mopeds. I remember it being OK. It was NOT OK. I should have expected the language, but I somehow missedit. Parenting FAIL.

Aside Aside: How fabulous is Eric Nally in the Downtown video? He is my new fashion icon, and I am not kidding in the slightest.

And so it was that after a treat and some laughs, I left to pick up Henry with a smile on my face and enough energy to want to write a blog post.

As for Henry, we reached a tenuous compromise today. I told him that if he stayed in his crib–reading books or whatever–for an hour that he could get out and watch TV. There was some fighting when he wanted to go straight to TV, but eventually he caved. The hour alarm just went off, but guess who is fast asleep . . .

What is your go to cheap pick-me-up? Do you also love the video for Downtown? And any advice on this sleeping thing? How do you get your children to stay where you put them? Or is that just the most naive thing I’ve ever typed?

How did it feel? (FEEEeeelings) Check out my real time diaries and report cards here and here.

What worked? This is where I do my best to put on my responsible adult thinking hat and consider what I liked and what I didn’t.

OK, NOW down to business. But first, I wanted to chat a little about why I did this challenge.

I could say that I did it for the kids. I could tell you how I want more energy to keep up with them and to feel better so that I can be a more patient and awesome mom. And I DO want those things, but that isn’t why I did it. The kids certainly don’t care what size I am. And I’m sure I can always improve in the patience/energy/awesome category, but that is just side gravy.

I could tell you I did it for James. That guy did marry me for my hot bod, after all. (Snort.) And James does support me and want me to look and feel my best however I decide that is. But nope.

I did it for me.

You see, since moving here or probably since Mac was born, I’ve felt a little less “me-like.” Don’t get me wrong. I love Love LOVE the time I’m getting to spend with the kids. I’m having a blast exploring a new country and continent.

But sometimes I feel like my mom hat dwarfs any other hat I have. I usually only leave the house completely by myself once a week, if that. I don’t spend tons of time on myself or doing things for myself.

This challenge helped me take care of myself better. It helped make me more of a priority. The kids are very high on the list, but I matter too. I should be taken care of as well.

I’m enjoying the morning time I’ve carved out for myself to exercise and to think and to do whatever I want. I’m enjoying feeling good getting out of bed in the morning. I’m also enjoying access to more of my pre-baby wardrobe. So yay! “Me” is pleased.

And now for realz, BIDNESS.

Are you guys ready to see the results?

I mean truly shocking before and afters??

Hold on to your butts.

Keep scrolling.

Scrolling.

BAM.

As you can see, the difference with clothes is subtle, if noticeable at all. (My doofusness has not changed a bit.) I admit that some sort of side-by-side photos would have been ideal and photos actually showing my body would have been better, but I’m only a mere mortal and not a Biggest Loser contestant. I don’t need any bikini photos on the internets, thank you very much.

I can tell you that I dropped a clothing size. For example, these pants definitely didn’t fit before. Also, I’ve moved to the smaller size of my ONE SHIRT TO RULE THEM ALL. Oh, and I got a hair cut.

And the numbers don’t lie. I followed whole30 protocol and didn’t weigh myself at all during the challenge. But, boy, was I excited to whip out that scale on day 31. (Since then I’ve weighed myself once, but I’m trying not to get back into the every day habit. It’s about feeling good; not about a number.)

And again, I hope you guys will forgive me for not sharing raw numbers. First, the internets just don’t need to know my weight. Second, these are my numbers and I’m happy, but I don’t want anyone to get hung up on them. Your numbers are probably different and they are your story and that’s what matters, ya know?

But I will share the delta. James took before, mid-way, and after measurements. I realized later that he left very helpful, scientific reminders like “top of crack” for my hip measurement so that he would hit the same place again. (He also measured in centimeters because he has gone FULL Italian, but he claims it was for more accuracy.)

Interestingly, probably almost 75% of the changes occurred in the first two weeks. Except for my waist which actually was lower at mid-point measure than final. I guess I was feeling bloaty that day. Or, you know, ALL THOSE ABS.

So yeah. That happened. In just 30 days. It could have been any of the factors (whole30) or the whole combination (whole30), but results were had. I know some people would think a whole30 is extreme, but I’ve never found a way to get such significant results in such a short period of time. This approach works for me. Seeing big changes makes me more motivated to keep it up. If I tried to adopt a “be reasonable” approach for six months, I doubt I’d see any difference because I’d never be able to stick to it.

Those are the “sexy” changes. Let’s talk about some other changes.

SKIN

OK, here I really should have taken some before pictures. But in my haste to get the party started, I didn’t think through all the details. So NO PICS FOR YOU, said in my no soup for you voice.

And because we do not have hard evidence, my response is wishy washy, but I think my skin is better. Although this could be a halo effect from just feeling better generally and thinking I look better. But when I touch my face, it feels, uh, plumper. I don’t know, but it definitely feels a little different. I can at least report that eating good fats, washing your face, and drinking water are not deleterious for your skin and probably definitely at least a little help.

SLEEP

As you guys saw, I failed BIG TIME on bedtime alarm. Despite this, I’m feeling more rested. First, even if I’m not going to sleep at 2200, I am going to sleep earlier than I had been so that’s a win.

Also, I’m getting higher quality sleep. I fall asleep faster, and I usually never wake up in the middle of the night, barring child screaming, of course. Even post challenge, I’ve been waking up on my own around 600, ready to start the day.

MOOD

You could ask James for confirmation, although he would probably insist that I am delightful all the time because he is a smart cookie, but I would say there has been definite mood improvement. I still feel overwhelmed by the kids at various points every day and my mind spins with a million things I need to do but can’t because Mac will RAGE if I stop walking him around. But I feel better. I really do.

FOOD

My urge to snack has diminished. Sometimes it is still there. Sometimes I just want to put food in my mouth. But I think it is more under control. I’m better able to gauge when I really want something versus just eating it because it is there.

A lot of food tastes better. Although I still just can’t seem to love red peppers, much to James’s chagrin. He loves that shizz.

I plan to keep cooking whole30 at home and then not worry as much when we go places because convenience food on the whole30 is a fantastical pink unicorn. I’m also hoping to keep my booze consumption for special, out-of-the-house occasions. Last night I had one glass of wine at date night. We’ll see how this goes.

But what about BAD changes, you ask

I can’t really think of any. Possibly my current paranoia that eating gluten will derail my whole way of life. Or my questionable fashion taste now that I am combining more clothes. Or needing to pee more from all the water and not being able to. See Mac raging when I ask him politely to let go of my hand. But seriously, I can’t really think of anything.

30 days, all gain. W00t!

Any other questions on results? Aside from my weight, I’m happy to share! And then I promise to shut up about the 30 Day EVERYTHING Challenge for a bit. Probably.

It also has a decidedly Italian feel. Like what you think of when you envision a very stereotypical restaurant. Red checkered tablecloths. Murals involving grapes. You may want to discount my opinion because I have a high tolerance for kitsch, but I thought it was charming and cozy.

1) Prosecco while you wait

Even though we (read James) made a reservation, we had to wait a few minutes for our table. To pass the time, we all received glasses of prosecco. It wasn’t the best prosecco and they weren’t the biggest pours, but I adore prosecco and I appreciated the gesture. It did feel fancy standing around and sipping while perusing the menu chalkboard.

Yes, yes, wine not prosecco pictured, but you get the idea.

2) Crazy good eggplant parmigiana

All of our food was good. The eggplant parmigiana was excellent. Best I’ve ever had. Full stop.

GET THIS. I had to wrestle the fork from James to get a picture.

It came in its own bubbly ramekin. The dish was simultaneously greasy and light, if you can picture such a thing. The grease was not in a why-did-I-eat-that-second-cheeseburger way, but ooo, oily from real olive oil and tasty cheese. The eggplant, tomatoes, and basil all made the dish taste fresh in an I-can-almost-consider-this-healthy way, until you remember all the gooey cheese.

If I come again, we will skip any pasta and just order one eggplant parm per person. Easy peasy, the end.

Fried cod, fiori di zucca, and mozzarella con prosciutto

These pastas are good, but they only wish they could be the eggplant parmigiana.

3) Stupid cheap

For just over 30 euro per person, we had two bottles of house wine, antipasti, primi, secondi, dessert, limoncello, and coffee. A few dishes were shared, but STILL. If you’d ever like the full courses experience without breaking the bank, Antica Taverna has you covered. Of course, my bill will be even cheaper next time because I will just have eggplant parm and wine, squeezing in some dolce if I can. The pear and chocolate tart was pretty sensational.

The tiramisu was also quite tasty for those of you into that sort of thing. I know, I am the worst.